South Pacific Cruises

South Pacific and Tahiti Cruises

A cruise to the islands of the South Pacific takes you to a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and coral atolls strewn lazily across the southern ocean. Here nature has created masterpieces of sheer cliffs, deep valleys, mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls and crystalline lagoons filled with brilliant tropical fish.

Tahiti / South Pacific Cruise Highlights

The beaches in the South Pacific are some of the most stunning in the world. Lounge on the white sand, swim and snorkel in clean, clear water, go diving through coral reefs and lagoons, or try out water sports like sailing, parasailing and deep sea fishing. In the fall, humpback whales can even be spotted from the shore! Further inland, hiking and four-wheel safaris are popular activities, as are traditional, cultural Polynesian ceremonies and visits to local markets for black pearls, arts and crafts and perfumes.

Popular Tahiti / South Pacific Cruise Ports

The South Pacific is home to many volcanic islands and coral atolls spread throughout the southern ocean, including regions like the Marquesasa, the Society Islands, and the Cook Islands. Here are a few popular ports of call in the region:

• Bora Bora: Perhaps the most dreamed about island in the South Pacific, Bora Bora is a regarded as an earthly paradise. It has remained largely untouched by modern development, and is home to less than 5,000 residents. Visit Matira Beach, sail on a glass-bottom boat to see colorful fish and coral, or drive through the 22-mile road circling the island.
• Savusavu: One of Fiji's some-300 islands, Savusavu is ideal for nature enthusiasts. Explore unspoiled rainforests, lush vegetation, volcanic hot springs, and a Copra plantation, which produces palm oil. Dubbed "the hidden paradise of Fiji," Savusavu charms visitors - you may never want to leave!
• Papeete: Tahiti's capital is a departure point for many South Pacific and Tahitian cruises, and is a bustling trading center. Marvel in both black- and white-sand beaches, step into the Paul Gauguin Museum to see his famed art often inspired by the islands, or go surfing, windsurfing or body boarding in the spectacularly blue waters.

When is the Best Time to Go to Tahiti / South Pacific?

The South Pacific islands are largely warm and humid all year; as such, cruises to the area sail year-round, though some lines visit the region primarily between September and April. Most itineraries in the region are between 7 and 14 nights, and typically leave from Papeete, Tahiti.

What Cruise Lines Go to Tahiti / South Pacific?

Several luxury and premium cruise lines travel to Tahiti and the South Pacific, and some combine these ports with ones in Hawaii. Check out these lines for your next tropical vacation in the South Pacific:

• Windstar Cruises: Explore all of Tahiti's nooks and crannies on a Windstar yacht. Sailing occur year-round, and cruisers can choose from 7, 10 and 11 day itineraries. On a round-trip Papeete itinerary, you can explore Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; snorkel in Rangiroa's lagoon; and sail through the Society Islands.
• Royal Caribbean: Sail to Loyalty Island, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and more on a Royal Caribbean cruise to the South Pacific. Departing from ports in Australia, these cruises are six or more nights, and feature snorkeling, thermal mud pool, and zipline tour shore excursions.
• Princess Cruises: Depart from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane on a Princess cruise to the South Pacific, and visit ports like Champagne Bay, Mystery Island and Savusavu. Onboard a Princess cruise, you can indulge in authentic regional cuisine, from Polynesian chicken pupu to grilled Wahoo fillet.